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Stampede to Draw Large Crowds

The biggest Labor Day weekend party in Barnes County, the annual Dazey Sodbusters Stampede and Bull-O-Rama, will take place Sunday at the Sibley Crossing on Lake Ashtabula.

This will be the 67th year for the event which has grown steadily to attract 3,000 people in recent years. Each year a Dazey Sodbusters Club member is selected to be honored as “Sodbuster of the Year.” This year’s honoree is Dale Kunze.

Kunze, 70, said he has been involved with the Sodbusters organization for more than 50 years.

“What I like about the Bull-o-Rama is the leaders take the bull by the horns and get things done. It doesn’t matter if you’re Republican or Democrat, the work gets done.”

Kunze said what he like most about the Sodbusters is “dealing Black Jack at smokers. We’ve had benefits over the years that have been over three figures ($1,000 or more). They are always willing to lend a hand to people in the community.”

“I was in the hospital and neighbors came in and did my work and chopped my corn. It would have been a lot to worry about without the help,” he said.

Another special guest at the Bull-O-Rama will be North Dakota State Senator and candidate for governor Ryan Taylor. This will be Taylor’s second trip to this part of the state in two weeks after holding a small rally at a farm near Dazey.

Tickets for adults are $12, $8 for students and preschool children get free admittance. The Professional Bull Riding competition begins at 3 p.m. following a 2 p.m. calcutta auction. Rock band Boomtown will return this year to take the stage for the evening dance running from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. with an $8 admission fee.

Kunze said money raised at the events go to help benefits throughout the year to further the group’s charitable work.

“I want to thank the people who buy tickets from us - it helps us put on benefits. We try to put on at least three or four a year,” Kunze said.